Warsaw High School - Wildcats Roar Yearbook (Warsaw, IL)

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SPORTS SPECIAL SALUTE TO WES WEBER By Mike Shea, Sports Director KOKX Radio 614171 Perhaps I'm a bit too sentimental for the position I have in life . Someone who works in the news media . . . and that's what sports really is, a form of news . . . should be hardened to the facts of life more than yours truly. But, I became attached to people easily, build keen friendships with them when I work with them, and each spring I have a little hollow feeling in my stomach when I learn that 5 thought for a while that I was going to get through this spring pretty easily . Well, two nights ago, I got that empty hollow feeling again when I learned that a man who is much too young, and much too brilliant is calling it quits in the world of coaching. Though he will be replaced by very competent per- sonnel, Hancock County, and in particular, Warsaw High School just won't quite be the same. He did it in his typical manner . . . quietly . . . so quietly most people missed it. I missed it, and perhaps you did, too. But, just before the end of the school year, Wes Weber, brother of Gene Weber, informed the school board at Warsaw that he would not return as athletic director and head basketball coach in 1971-72 . I wasn't a very good reporter, because I didn't find out if he still planned to teach and not coach. I do know he is leaving the coaching profession to devote time to farming, and that is a full time job. Whether or not he is in the classroom next year doesn't really fit this repor anyway. I'm sure the classroom will lose a tremendous asset if he does not teach, but for those of us connected with sports, and especially for those of us concerned about high school sports when our youth is being formed into the people they will be tomorrow, to learn that Wes Weber won't be guiding a portion of that youth is a shocking blow. ' I know that everyone he has come into contact within the world of sports has nothing but respect and admiration for his ability, fairness, and striving for perfection both in perfor- mance and attitude . Ed Test of Carthage was frustrated by Wes Weber on the basketball floor, having beaten him only once in three years of trying. Yet, each time he left the floor, Test never felt ashamed at having lost to a Wes Weber coached team . . . and when he beat that team, he smiled like a kid with a new toy . The best brings out the best in others . Wes Weber was indeed one of the best. I have watched his athletes swallow their pride and their tempers when it hurt to do so, but Wes Weber was in charge. Play to win, but play fairly and abide by official's decisions was the Weber rule. I loved him for it . He ,n had a contact with athletes in combat the likes of which I have found in very, very few coaches . Every coach in this area has that contact . . . but, most have to shout to their players . Wes Weber simply cocks a finger to one of his boys, waits for him to get close, ar then calmly speaks the orders he wants delivered. And, it was always carried out! The joy of winning and the heartbreak of defeat . . . that's what the world of sports is all about . But, even in heartbreak, the famous Weber smile shone through to his victorif opponents after the confrontation, and anyone lucky enough to be in the same room with man knew they were with a rare jewel in a cruel world . I thought about getting reaction 11, other coaches for a salute to Wes Weber, but I realize that program would take hours to put on the air . If I thought I could change his mind I would cry out- - Please, Wes Weber, don't quit - -we can afford the loss of quantity, but not quality, especially in these times . But, I U must respect a man's right and desire for a private life. How can I best salute Wes Weber? He has done that himself. Look at the record, noi wins or losses, but the saves . How many kids has he saved? God knows, and maybe we all get the answer in the next life . I know it's many. Wes Weber, not only from me but ai. entire tri-state area of people who love sports and who have seen you work, we will miss you very much next school year . And, we thank you for all you have given of yourself so young people would have a better chance in life . If they learned the lessons you were teachi well, they will do fine--just fine. A Very Special Sports Special Salute to Wes Weber, for- ever a head coach and athletic director in this reporter's memory, the former head basket ball coach and athletic director of Warsaw High School, for a lifetime of giving crammed into just a few short--too short--years . one or more of these people aren't going to be around next year . I I